Bombers back on title radar

Jay Buchan
Sports Writer
ay has worked at the QT for five years covering most sports in Ipswich, from mountain running to gliding. His passion for writing about sport stems from his inability to come close to mastering any as a competitor, though he once captained Chris Latham in colts. Jay’s sporting heroes include Mark Ella, Steven Bradbury and Jarred Lacey.

There was no standout but without Nauqe's tireless leadership, fullback Cameron Pennell's incisive hole running and the metres made in the middle of the ruck by prop Anthony Kerwin and second rower Joel Miles, the Bombers wouldn't have won.

Ipswich Rugby League A grade game between Fassifern Vs Goodna at Harrisville. Photo: David Nielsen / The Queensland TimesDavid Nielsen

Goodna scored first after 15 minutes through centre Oti Oti, following an Albert Talipeau grubber kick.

The Bombers took the lead five minutes later when Korn put Pennell through a hole on the right and a big step took him past Eagles fullback David Heketoa to score.

The conversion put the Bombers ahead 6-4 and that's how it stayed until halftime.

Goodna looked likely to take control at many points of the game, but suffered from poor decision making at times, costly errors at others and the desperate Fassifern defence throughout.

It was one such situation seven minutes into the second half when Goodna looked set to score.

But a Talipeau cut-out pass to the left wing was intercepted by Callum McInness, who sprinted 95m to make it 10-4.

Oti scored his second try for Goodna with 15 minutes to go but by that stage Fassifern could sniff their first win of the season and, like a hungry dog with a bone, weren't going to give it up.

"I think we're getting better," Roos said.

"At the same time, we were getting desperate for a win.

"But you have to stay positive.

Ipswich Rugby League A grade game between Fassifern Vs Goodna at Harrisville. Photo: David Nielsen / The Queensland TimesDavid Nielsen

"We didn't have many hit-outs in the pre-season and injuries early on meant we had to tweak some positions."

Roos also acknowledged the Bombers may have caught their counterparts when they were vulnerable.

"They had a hard game last week, which takes it out of you," he said. "They might have been a bit sore and sorry."

Goodna forward Fa Tauaa acknowledged as much.

"There were a few changes with some injuries from last week," the former Eagles captain said.

"It was a tough game (against Brothers) and hard to back up.

"But Fassifern did well.

"We didn't stay in the arm wrestle and that cost us.

"I think we had them in the middle, but we didn't go back there enough.